Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe on Thursday blamed illnesses picked up touring during a 13-year international cricket career for his diagnosis with the cancer lymphoma.

Crowe said his cancer was "very treatable" and he would battle it with the same determination he displayed during his playing days.

"My mindset and fierce focus has kicked in just like it did when approaching a long innings in a Test match," he said in a statement. "I will focus on the important things in front of me, and nothing else."

The 50-year-old said he believed his immune system had been weakened by illness while on the road with the Black Caps, leaving him vulnerable to the cancer, which he said was grade two follicular lymphoma.

"In the past, on travels during my cricket career, suffering salmonella and glandular fever has compromised me," he said.

"The result of a weakened immune system over the last two decades is basically why I have become exposed to this sort of disease.

Crowe, who scored a record 17 centuries for New Zealand in his 77-Test career and is regarded as the country's greatest batsman, said he had been buoyed by expressions of support since he went public with his diagnosis.

"I am overwhelmed by the support and concern by so many around the world and wish to say a massive thanks... it has enabled me to come to terms with the shock from my recent lymphoma diagnosis faster."

Crowe said the cancer had affected the lymph nodes in his neck, armpits and stomach.

"It is very treatable. It is not aggressive," he said. "Treatment will be decided in due course after further tests and consultation in the next two weeks."

Crowe had played 77 Tests for New Zealand and piled up 5444 runs at an impressive average of 45.36. His best score was 299 against Sri Lanka in Wellington, still the highest individual score by a New Zealand batsman. Crowe also featured in 143 ODIs and led New Zealand to the semi-finals during the 1992 World Cup.

After retirement, Crowe took up a role as a commentator with Sky and served a season as the CEO of the Bangalore franchise in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League.